Take notice that on July 26, 2006, Elizabeth A. Ryan, on behalf of the New Jersey Hospital Association, petitioned the Board of Nursing (the Board) to propose regulations that would implement P.L. 2001, c. 340. Ms. Ryan pointed out that P.L. 2001, c. 340 was signed into law on January 5, 2002. This law allows New Jersey to enter into the Nurse Multistate Licensure Compact. The Board has not yet adopted regulations implementing the law and New Jersey is therefore not able to participate in the Compact. On March 2, 2004, the New Jersey Hospital Association sent a letter to the Board and the Division of Consumer Affairs requesting the proposal of regulations that would implement the Compact.

Ms. Ryan contended that the Compact, which allows nurses in participating states to practice in New Jersey, will help to fill nursing vacancies in healthcare facilities. According to Ms. Ryan, 20 States, including Delaware and Maryland, have implemented the Compact.

The Board is in the process of proposing regulations that would implement P.L. 2001, c. 340 as the petitioner has requested. On July 15, 2003, the Board voted to approve the proposal of these regulations. The draft regulations are under review.